• country:
  United Kingdom
• style(s):
  Turkish World
• label:
  Hobgoblin Records
• type:
  Band, Solist, Composer/Songwriter
• instrumentation:
  instrumental, vocal
• artist submitted by:
  Adastra

Dogan Mehmet, along with his backing band the Deerhunters, creates an Anglo-Turkish, Gypsy-Punk style mix of traditions and strong acoustic grooves. A diverse mixture of Southern English and Turkish folk songs, self-penned material and driven tunes from English Morris as well as Cypriot traditions give Dogan his own captivating sound. His talent and confidence belie his young age and he makes a storm wherever he goes with his effervescent personality and huge enthusiasm for life and for his music.

Brighton born and bred, Dogan Mehmet is a second generation Turkish Cypriot, with both sides of his family from the island. A fluent Turkish speaker, Dogan's heritage forms a big part of his musical identity, alongside his love for Southern English traditional music. He is singer first but also a multi-instrumentalist, playing Violin, Guitar, Melodeon, Tenor Guitar, Cajon and other Percussion as well as a having good knowledge of traditional Turkish instruments.

Dogan has appeared in sketches on national television (Omid Djalili show) and on stage with artists including Eliza Carthy, Steafan Hannigan, and The Park Bench Social Club. He was runner up in the 2008 BBC Young Folk Awards.

His EP 'Unlimited' was released in 2008, and his album Gypsyhead will be released in the summer of 2009, on the Hobgoblin Records label.

"This young man is truly a breath of fresh air for the UK Folk scene with his east meets west sound." Pete McClelland (Hobgoblin Music)

"Dogan took the Audience on a European journey with his resonant voice and rhythmic dance music" BBC Radio 2

"One of the UK's First Turkish Morrismen" The Argus